Thapar University sets up state146;s first neem-based bioinsecticide unit

A nursery at the university8217;s Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Park STEP has also been established for cultivating neem or Azadirachta indica that will be supplied to the unit. This is to ensure the sustained supply of neem fruits for the bioinsecticide production.

Abhijit Mukherjee, director of Thapar University said, 8220;We are confident that herbal bioinsecticides have tremendous market potential and will become a promising small-scale business venture. Bioorganic farming has assumed significance as bioinsecticides and biopesticides are herbal and non-toxic. These environment-friendly products do not cause contamination of soil and the ground water and have wide applications.8221;

Discussing future plans, he said, 8220;We aim to promote production, processing and the use of herbal bioinsecticide for environment-friendly and hazard-free farming in the state.8221;

He revealed that in the first phase from July to August this year, 22 tonnes of neem seeds were procured. 8220;The first batch is ready and the university8217;s faculty has organised several farmer meets and awareness camps in adjoining villages and on the campus to popularise the use of bioinsecticides,8221; he claimed.

The indiscriminate use of chemical insecticides and pesticides has a detrimental effect on the soil, ground water and the final produce. Besides bringing down production costs and eliminating pesticide residues, bio pesticides are also more eco-friendly.